Las Virgenes Unified School District

Shaping the Future Through Educational Excellence

Our Hearts are Broken to Learn of the Tragedy in Thousand Oaks

A message from Superintedent Stepenosky:

We are heartbroken by the tragedy which occurred last night at the Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks. We are in close communication with the LA County Sheriff’s office, they will have extra sheriffs at our schools. We also will have our counselors and mental health support available at schools.

We, as a community, will be attempting to process this tragedy for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, I want to provide you with resources in the event that your children or students ask questions or need grief management support. Below and attached are resources that may help support your student during this difficult time.

When talking with children, listen, acknowledge feelings, and be nonjudgmental

Share that it’s ok to have these feelings, while reinforcing the safety of home, schools and the amount of support surrounding them – family, friends, fellow students, teachers, administrators

Keep normal routines and every-day activities as much as possible

If a child is having a strong reaction, please reassure them that they can talk to the school counselor, or school administrator, and notify the counselor or administrator.

As you process this event with your staff and family, please reach out to your school principal, counselor, and our district office, should you need any resources or support.

Our sympathy and hearts go out all of those affected by this horrible tragedy.